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Ripped Scales?

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  • 03-13-2019, 10:49 PM
    Oliver_the_BP
    Ripped Scales?
    My ball python was recently being treated for mild scale rot, only a few scales were infected, and since it was so mild I decided to treat him at home with daily 15-20 minute long betadine baths and antibiotic cream afterward. It only got slightly better after a few months of treatment(I believe I started early/mid January) but he also never got worse, so I kept him on home treatment. A little before he got his rot, he started his winter fast(it was his first fast ever, he's eating again and before mating season he ate every week) so I think he was overly stressed out or something that caused the rot.

    Anyways, he just shed the other day and I noticed his scales that were infected just.. came off? I've attached pictures of his body where his scales used to be, but if it'd be helpful I can add pictures of his shed where the scales were(its all in one piece, I moved him to a plastic tub earlier in February and his humidity was more regulated and consistent, helping it come off all in one, obviously) as well.

    So, my question is, should I take him into the vet to check out his scales or is that unnecessary? Should I cover his missing scales in antibiotic cream to make sure his skin wont get infected? Or, since they're already gone, is there nothing I can do and just leave it?

    https://imgur.com/84GBsGz
    https://imgur.com/Dhaxd2S
    https://imgur.com/enlMgc6 (this one is just cute)

    Thanks for any of your suggestions.
  • 03-14-2019, 12:01 AM
    Bogertophis
    You're not talking about extensive scale loss, then, are you? Just those little spots? And it's not increasing?

    I would not personally have bathed him in Betadine, just applied some diluted Betadine to the areas in question.

    What kind of antibiotic cream did you use? That's possibly what caused the loss of the scales, & they will likely stay gone, like scar tissue.

    (& yes, he IS a cutie!)
  • 03-14-2019, 12:34 PM
    Sunnieskys
    I am no vet but it looks to be a scar now and nothing to worry about. There is no open wound. Again...I'm not a vet.
  • 03-14-2019, 09:56 PM
    Oliver_the_BP
    Re: Ripped Scales?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    You're not talking about extensive scale loss, then, are you? Just those little spots? And it's not increasing?

    I would not personally have bathed him in Betadine, just applied some diluted Betadine to the areas in question.

    What kind of antibiotic cream did you use? That's possibly what caused the loss of the scales, & they will likely stay gone, like scar tissue.

    (& yes, he IS a cutie!)

    I believe I used neosporin on his infected scales. A few websites I read said bathes would work for mild rot. Of course I don't expect the scales to grow back, I was curious if there was anything I can do to make sure he's 100% content and healthy.
  • 03-14-2019, 09:59 PM
    Oliver_the_BP
    Re: Ripped Scales?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Sunnieskys View Post
    I am no vet but it looks to be a scar now and nothing to worry about. There is no open wound. Again...I'm not a vet.

    It's not pink or sore like raw skin, and he doesn't flinch in pain when it's touched, so I think it's all scarred over and healed.
  • 03-14-2019, 10:23 PM
    Bogertophis
    Re: Ripped Scales?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Oliver_the_BP View Post
    I believe I used neosporin on his infected scales. A few websites I read said bathes would work for mild rot. Of course I don't expect the scales to grow back, I was curious if there was anything I can do to make sure he's 100% content and healthy.

    Behavior is paramount, & specifically a good appetite indicates a "content & healthy" snake.
  • 03-14-2019, 10:51 PM
    Stewart_Reptiles
    Whatever happened this is clean no need for a vet and definitely no need to use anti-biotic ointment which will only loosen up more scales.

    This could be the snake rubbing it's back on the top of the enclosure (similar to head rubbing), or which in combination with the use of oil based product (anti-biotic ointment) lead to that.

    Usually scale rot is located on the ventral scales not on the top and in many cases in minor cases it is best to do nothing beside cleaning up with betadine.
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